Carlos Alberto tests positive for doping

The Brazilian could face a lengthy ban after illegal substances were found in his system following a routine drugs test

Vasco da Gama could be without Carlos Alberto for several months following the news the forward failed a doping test after the 3-2 Guanbara Cup semi-final win over Fluminense back in March.

The former Porto player - who lifted the Champions League with the Portuguese side in 2004, now faces an uncertain future, though that has not stopped coach Paulo Autuori from offering him his complete backing.

"I talk to him everyday. He has our full support and this time it'll be no different. Any athlete will receive support in any ways [at Vasco]," he told UOL.

The player's legal representative was cagey over whether or not Alberto would contest any doping charge, but did reveal the deadline to do so was this Friday.

He said: "We have to present his defence today, which is the limit date for that. If we don't, the player will be automatically charged [for doping]. If we do present it, we have a 50% chance. We can't talk much, it's a complicated process."